Can we recycle the ocean’s waste for new fashion?
Fashion is the second largest water polluter in the world. Water that’s used in fashion production becomes polluted with dyes and plastics. From rivers and streams, the water then ends up in our oceans, causing major problems for the environment.
Plastic pollution particularly causes risk to sea life as the plastics are not biodegradable, as they can be consumed by fish leading to death.
“[Finding] ways to get plastic out of the oceans without harming sea life is the ultimate challenge.” Cyrill Gutsch, Parley for the Oceans Founder
Who turns ocean waste into fashion?
Parley from the Oceans came up with a strategy to upcycle the plastic from our oceans rather than produce more. Founded by Cyrill Gutsch, Parley addresses major threats to our oceans and they feel that with help from film makers, journalists, musicians, they can tackle these threats and save our oceans. Parley teamed up with Bionic Yarn who take the plastic waste and turn it into high performance yarn.
Ecoalf is a brand who turn ocean plastic into bags, jackets, shoes, and more. They started off with a goal to save the planet and oceans and since they have collaborated with over 3000 fishers, working to change conventional recycled polyester into new yarn made from ocean waste.
“All our actions should be under constant evaluation and all our decisions have to be made with the goal of causing the least harm possible to the planet and local communities.” Ecoalf
Celebrity ocean conservators
Pharrell Williams – the musician and record producer became creative director and investor of Bionic Yarn
Leonardo DiCaprio – actor and environmental campaigner who has donated millions to ocean charities
Kate Walsh – actor works with NGO Oceana to raise awareness on ocean crisis
Chris Hemsworth – actor who is now ambassador of #100Islandsprotected
Morgan Freeman – supporter of Oceana
Naomi Campbell – backs initiative #togetherband who make friendship bracelets from recycled plastic
Is a big ocean clean-up possible?
Brands and campaigners are calling out for supporters and donations for ocean conservation. Campaigners are doing amazing already, however with help from more supporters they can move faster to keep up with ocean clean-ups.
These ocean clean-ups are important to make a healthier environment that looks after the planet and our sea life. New brands are collaborating with others to expand business and gain more supporters in hope of a greater impact. The fashion world is growing and sustainable fashion is becoming bigger, therefore there is a greater call for help.
Parley are requesting volunteers and with more support this will have such a positive impact on our oceans. Clean-ups like this are huge, and recycling and even donating to these new campaigns could help massively.
So, is a big ocean clean up possible? Yes it is, if everyone pulls together and supports or donates to these ocean clean-up charities.
New fashion from our oceans
There are lots more brands and designers that turn ocean waste into new fashion including, Reformation, Stella McCartney, Richard Malone, Paper London, and adidas x Parley. Richard Malone for example, created a collection made from Econyl in 2019, which is a new yarn made from old nylon waste, such as fishing nets.
Meanwhile, Paper London’s swimwear is made from waste fishing nets, which are then transformed to protect from the suns rays. Stella McCartney and adidas both teamed up with Parley from the Oceans to create sportswear, and most importantly taking part in ocean clean-ups. All of these creators are making history with sustainability for fashion.
Retail platform Farfetch, sells clothing brand Ecoalf and you would totally not believe the products are made from ocean waste. The designs are up there with current trends and each item gives a brief description of materials used, essential information for people who want to sustainably shop online.
Why not take a look for yourself and see what all the fuss is about, or even lend your support to ocean clean-ups?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Paper London